We’ve all been through that same scenario: standing in front of your wardrobe, contemplating what to wear to work because you’re bored of wearing the same shirt-and-pencil-skirt combo every day. The solution? Reward yourself to some clothes shopping – and support our homegrown labels while you’re at it.
With physical stores firmly closed during circuit breaker, it’s a good thing these 16 local fashion brands are online, so you can browse and buy stylish workwear from the comfort of your couch.
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Founded in 2018 by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) graduate Chin Shiying, Senkoubou specialises in handcrafted leather accessories. Despite being just two years old, this label has been recognised by many talents in the local market, collaborating with them on various projects, including one with local fashion retailer The Corner Shop (杂货店), where Chin reimagines our iconic paper bag in leather.
Sustainability is a huge factor for Chin’s label. Each accessory is only created when an order is received to minimise wastage of fabrics and materials. Plus, it’s extremely affordable for leather, with a coin case priced at $39 and a large hobo bag at $169.
Chin also offers leather repairs (by appointment only) and workshops that teach the construction of small leather goods.
If you’re a fan of minimalist style, this local womenswear brand is for you. Founded in late 2015 by Lim Yi Chin, Salient Label offers simple and highly versatile designs that can be made different through personal styling.
Lim also takes local market needs into consideration. You’ll spot cross-back tops and billowy pants that are perfect for Singapore’s balmy weather, all while retaining a sense of sophistication.
Plus, the label prides itself on ethical and sustainable practices. Its fabrics are dyed with inks approved by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which are free from toxic chemicals, and it has also been reducing its carbon footprint by working with manufacturers and fabric suppliers from the same cities within Asia.
We love this jewellery label for its delicate yet unique pieces. Founded by Melissa Tong in 2015, Myrrh offers eclectic, silver-toned accessories at wallet-friendly prices, ranging from $22 for an earring to $75 for a chain necklace.
Tong also offers customisation services that allow you to engrave your initials on three of its accessories (Venus earrings, and Ahava and Star necklaces), with an additional charge of $10 to $12.
Myanmar-born designer Wai Yang graduated from London College of Fashion and interned at several big industry names like Giles Deacon, but she chose Singapore as the place to launch her eponymous label. That’s because she grew up in this Little Red Dot since she was 12.
Since 2016, she has been focusing on realising unconventional materials as contemporary ready-to-wear, with a tinge of masculinity.
Some activewear can only be worn to the gym, but these ones from local athleisure label Outfyt prove otherwise. Founded by Swedish-Singaporean Stephanie Colhag Yeo in 2017, the brand offers activewear inspired by Yeo’s take on Scandinavian culture: stylish and minimal.
Made from sustainable materials such as econyl regenerated nylon made from abandoned fishing nets, the clothes are guaranteed to last you for years. The label has also committed to donating one per cent of its profits to Healthy Seas, a non-government organisation that keeps the oceans clean.
With its minimalist aesthetic and modern designs, you’d be surprised to find that the husband-and-wife duo Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting had no prior experience or ties to the fashion industry. The two were both working in real estate before launching their label in 2015. Beloved by industry insiders, Beyond The Vines is the go-to for many fuss-free yet stylish pieces that are easy to mix-and-match with pieces within their collection or with your own wardrobe.
As one of Singapore’s most successful labels, In Good Company is what we would define as basics with a twist. Their clothes are simple, minimal and you would rarely see a print in their collection. But at a closer look, little details like pleated pockets and origami folds add just the right amount of quirk from keeping their pieces labelled boring. The brand has since expanded to include menswear as well as kidswear.
COLLATE The Label is a local female fashion label that caters to modern and sophisticated women. Launched in 2015, the label is known for its luxurious yet affordable pieces and classic wardrobe essentials. As its names suggests, COLLATE The Label also inspires women to have individuality and take charge of their own style.
Love and Bravery offers not only sleek and classy outfits, but fun and quirky ones too. The local label, which believes in making understated pieces for everyday wear, has been around for more than a decade.
If you have an eye for print, texture or detail, check out Klarra, a local female fashion label which boasts classics made of quality fabrics. The label’s sophisticated and utilitarian aesthetics have drawn attention from the online shopper crowd, and it’s not hard to see why.
Love, Bonito, along with its sub-labels Covet, Petite and Lylas, ensure you have the perfect outfits not just for work, but for any occasion. From swimwear to bridesmaid dresses, the stylish and versatile pieces will have you filling up your shopping cart in no time.
Runway Bandits is no new face to regular online shoppers in Singapore. The label is known for its minimal aesthetics, excellent workmanship, and unique, modern twist on everyday staples.
Pomelo takes local and global fashion trends and puts them into an affordable range of apparel, accessories and shoes every week. Whether it’s a basic or high street piece you’re looking for, Pomelo has it all.
The Closet Lover is a local label and style-savvy shopping site which features a wide assortment of new arrivals weekly. Besides the fact that all of their items are specially designed and manufactured by themselves, the label also focuses on evolving fashion trends, inspiring each buyer to bring out their best through fashion.
When it comes to the question of deciphering what does the modern working woman want to dress like, we think Rye has got the formula down pat. The label produces pared-down and timeless pieces, ensuring that they will be your wardrobe staples for years. The brand also produces limited quantities of each piece so that your items will always feel special.
For something chic, fun and versatile, check out Soeurs.Co. Pronounced as “see”, the label, founded by two fashion-loving sisters, serves to become the number one clothing source and style inspiration for women, regardless of the occasion.
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Text: Teri Anne Tan, Cheryl Chan and Sean Tham
This post was first published on October 14, 2019, and updated on May 12, 2020.